RESUMEN
Background Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is a rare but severe condition that has garnered increasing attention in recent years. It primarily affects individuals undergoing treatment with antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medications, such as bisphosphonates and denosumab, commonly prescribed for osteoporosis and cancer-related bone metastases. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess awareness and understanding of MRONJ among patients receiving antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medications. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 110 patients receiving antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medications in a clinical setting. Participants were given a structured questionnaire to assess their awareness of MRONJ. The questionnaire covered aspects such as MRONJ, bisphosphonate usage, and awareness of the condition's potential complications. Demographic information was also collected. Chi-square and Fisher's tests were performed using SPSS statistical software. Results In terms of gender distribution, 63.6% of the participants were female. Concerning age distribution, the majority (43.6%) fell within the 21 to 40 age group, whereas only 5.5% were aged over 60. Regarding educational attainment, a substantial majority (58.2%) of the participants held a bachelor's degree. The study findings reveal that a considerable proportion (35.5%) of participants possess awareness regarding jaw osteonecrosis, and this association is statistically significant (p=0.002). A substantial number of participants administered the medication orally (30.9%), while others utilized various administration routes, including injection (IV and others) (40%), and this difference was also statistically significant (p=0.001). Most participants took bisphosphonates for osteoporosis (41.8%) or cancer (13.6%), both statistically significant (p<0.01). Gender had no significant impact (p>0.01), but age showed potential associations (p=0.07 for awareness, p=0.003 for medication use). Educational backgrounds had no significant link, except for bisphosphonate usage (p<0.01) and side effects reporting (p<0.01). Conclusion Notably, a small percentage of participants demonstrated awareness of this condition, indicating a need for continued education and awareness campaigns. Further research and interventions may be warranted to address the specific needs of different age groups and educational backgrounds in promoting safe and effective medication management.
RESUMEN
Background Dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is a common clinical finding that varies greatly in prevalence. An appropriate impulse that detonates noxious stimuli in the pulp/dentin boundary causes the typical DH pain, which is sudden, short, sharp, and of rapid onset. The objective of this research was to ascertain the incidence of DH in Keralites and evaluate some contributory factors, along with other initiating stimuli. Methodology Over three months, from June 2022 to August 2022, a cluster sampling technique was employed to conduct the study in 14 districts of Kerala. Patients from five clinics from each district who reported having DH and were aged 25 to 65 years were chosen at random. Using Google Survey forms, a 20-question, closed-ended survey was mailed to patients. The data were collected, evaluated, and analyzed using SPSS Version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The statistical difference in the distribution of DH and the patient's age was determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). A chi-square test was carried out to test the association between dentinal hypersensitivity, gender, and other parameters; P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results Among the 2,520 persons to whom questionnaires were mailed, 2,321 responded, with an unresponsive rate of 7.89%. The study revealed a sensitivity predilection among females (54%), although statistically insignificant. Respondents aged 25 to 35 years (41.01%) were commonly reported to have DH, the age distribution of which was found to be highly significant statistically (P < 0.01). Teeth whitening resulted in 82.98% of the sensitivity, whereas 47.99% accepted poor oral hygiene as an additional contributory factor. DH was reported in 52.01% of the patients with gastritis and 63.03% of the patients with gingival recession. Further, blame for poor dental treatment (88.88%) and climate change (82.92%) were also found relevant. The quality of life was claimed to be afflicted in 90.99% of the patients. Desensitizing agents were used by 68.97% of the patients, with which 68.03% reported satisfaction. Of the subjects who underwent professional treatment, 87.03% reported being satisfied. Oral prophylaxis-induced sensitivity was reported in 57.99%, indicating enhanced oral health awareness among Kerala residents. There was a statistically highly significant difference in the patient distribution based on the exposure to DH, and their perception of the causes and factors affecting DH (P < 0.01). Conclusions DH is a frequently and widely prevalent dental malady. Respondents demonstrated that they were conversant with DH. The quality of life and enjoyment of daily activities are both impacted by dentin hypersensitivity, and many patients are unaware that it is a treatable illness. Various desensitizing substances are also available and can be applied quickly to sensitive areas. Patients prefer this procedure as it is simpler to apply these agents and the effects are pleasant and beneficial.